personal invective

Politics 8 replies 440 views
I
isadore
Posts: 7,762
Jun 2, 2012 12:49am
“Congress shall make no law … abridging freedom of speech, or of the press The major reason for the existence of that clause is to allow unrestrained political debate Personal invective had been part of debate since colonial times. When the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] Amendment was written it was understood that the right to insult was to continue to be a protected part of that political discussion. That invective forms a rich part of our political heritage.
You and I were long friends; you are now my enemy and I am Yours, Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) to William Strahan
A crafty and lecherous old hypocrite whose very statue seems to gloat on the wenches as they walk the States House yard.
William Cobbett (1763-1835), on Benjamin Franklin (1706-90), American statesman and scientist
… and to you, sir, treacherous in private friendship … and a hypocrite in public life, the world will be puzzled to decide whether you are an apostate or an impostor, whether you have abandoned good principles or whether you ever had any.
Thomas Paine (1737-1809), letter to George Washington (1732-99)
God damn your god damned old hellfired god damned soul to hell god damn you and god damn your god damned family’s god damned hellfired god damned soul to hell and good damnation god damn them and god damn your god damned friends to hell.
Peter Muggins, American citizen, letter to President Abraham Lincoln (1809-65)

Hey you don’t get more American than that. It is what the forum needs so a visit here is different from watching a day of c-span.
believer's avatar
believer
Posts: 8,153
Jun 2, 2012 8:07am
Hey you don’t get more American than that. It is what the forum needs so a visit here is different from watching a day of c-span.
lol For once I'm in agreement with you. :D
HitsRus's avatar
HitsRus
Posts: 9,206
Jun 2, 2012 8:55am
C-span? you watch C-span? I thought the only place you flaming elitist, liberal, government lackies got your news was the Huff and Puff Post and MSNBC.

Is that what you mean?
I
isadore
Posts: 7,762
Jun 2, 2012 11:46am
HitsRus;1187123 wrote:C-span? you watch C-span? I thought the only place you flaming elitist, liberal, government lackies got your news was the Huff and Puff Post and MSNBC.

Is that what you mean?
that is the general idea. not quite to benjamin franklin or thomas paine level, but a nice try. oh, the plural of lackey is lackeys.
I
isadore
Posts: 7,762
Jun 2, 2012 12:06pm
HitsRus comments should in no way be considered to be personal attacks. they are just an example of how to enrich political discussion by the use of invective, a great American tradition that could be lost.
HitsRus's avatar
HitsRus
Posts: 9,206
Jun 2, 2012 1:01pm
^^^that was a misprint...what I meant was 'lack-ettes':laugh:
I
isadore
Posts: 7,762
Jun 2, 2012 2:01pm
excellent example, another part of our rich history of invective, attempting to feminize the opposition.
believer's avatar
believer
Posts: 8,153
Jun 2, 2012 3:26pm
So what you're saying here is that politically correct speech is unadulterated bullshit. Say it loud, say it proud eh? :thumbup:
I
isadore
Posts: 7,762
Jun 2, 2012 6:07pm
believer;1187239 wrote:So what you're saying here is that politically correct speech is unadulterated bull****. Say it loud, say it proud eh? :thumbup:
right on.